DEVELOPING AND MANAGING INNOVATIVE CONSTRUCTION

Construction technology innovation is becoming an increasingly important factor for the growth of many large Japanese firms. It has become essential that new construction technologies be identified, obtained on .the most reasonable .terms, and transferred smoothly to the construction site. This paper describes the four m~Jor fa~tors that ~on~bute to. the devel?pment o~ ~nnovative construction technology in Japan: (1) strategic alh~nces, (2) effective ~nformatlOn gathenng capabihty; (3) reputation through innovation; and (4) technology !USion. The ,Paper also illustrates the technology evaluation process used by a typical large general contractor 10 Japan.. It is con~luded that glob~l technology information gathering has increased the awareness of the large con~t~ctlOn .firms 10 .Japan to outside tec~ology. To implement synthesis of technology, these companies have participated 10.cross-1O~ustryresearch projects. The crucial link between innovation and business strategy in a large constructlOn firm 10 Japan was found to be the long-range technology forecasting that integrates action of today with the vision of tomorrow.